Hora Hadera – Israel

Above is a demonstration of the Hora Hadera (or Chadera) most North Americans know, including the original music. They get off to a rough start, as the formation is supposed to be a circle, so pay attention to the last run-through.

Below is a clear teaching as it appears to be practiced in Israel today, but notice changes to the 3rd section – shoulder hold has been changed to hands held in “V”, for instance.

As this dance is dedicated to the spirit of early Hassidic settlements in Israel, it seems to me appropriate to use Klezmer music from that time. The Klezmer revival from the 1980’s to the present provides many examples of joyous freilachs and other forms of music. Let loose!